Gary Neville Rules Chelsea Out of Premier League Title Race Despite Strong Start
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has poured cold water on Chelsea’s growing title talk, insisting the Blues are not yet ready to challenge for the Premier League crown this season.
Chelsea currently sit second on the table, following their confident 2-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday. Enzo Maresca’s side are just six points behind leaders Arsenal, whom they face in a blockbuster showdown at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Despite Chelsea’s impressive form, Neville believes the team is still a work in progress.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said:
“They will get close and they’ll tease us and have us thinking they are the closest challengers, but I don’t think that will emerge as the season goes on.”
He added that next weekend’s clash against Arsenal will be a defining moment:
“That’s where you find out about these types of teams. Chelsea will want to win the title in the next couple of years, but they don’t seem close to it at this moment.”
Opinion: A Reality Check—But Also a Warning to the Big Boys
Gary Neville’s assessment may sound harsh, but it isn’t without logic. Chelsea are young, dynamic, improving—and unpredictable. That unpredictability is exactly why some fans dare to dream, while others remain cautious.
But here’s the truth:
Chelsea are not playing like title favourites — but they are playing like trouble.
This team has energy, hunger, and a manager who has quickly stamped his identity on the squad. Yes, they lack the maturity and consistency of a title-winning side, but they are slowly becoming a team nobody wants to face.
Neville is right: the Arsenal match will expose one of two things—
either Chelsea’s inexperience or their evolution.
And if there’s anything the Premier League has taught us, it’s this:
A team that is "not ready" can suddenly become ready faster than anyone expects.
Chelsea may not win the league this season—but they are knocking on the door.
And the big boys would be foolish not to listen.
